WASHINGTON, December 10, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for the upgrade of previously provided AEGIS Combat Systems, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $421 million.

Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of this region. The U.S. Government shares bases and facilities in Japan. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

The proposed sale of AEGIS components to Japan will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a significantly improved Air Warfare capability. This sale will enhance Japan’s Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities by modernizing and upgrading the AEGIS technology on its two Atago-class destroyers. The Government of Japan can easily integrate the capabilities of these upgraded AEGIS Weapon Systems into its concept of operations. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin MS2 in Mooretown, New Jersey. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Japan involving six U.S. Government and ten contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, programs management, and training over a period of three years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.